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Your Life Improvement ResourceTue, 31 Mar 2015 13:24:54 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1
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http://marieleslie.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/site-icon-54a56fc8v1_site_icon-32x32.pngLet Your Life So Shine32327 Ways to Maximize Storage Spacehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/modernmolly/~3/E2tJMiwxx2w/
http://marieleslie.com/7-ways-to-maximize-storage-space/#commentsFri, 27 Mar 2015 18:58:47 +0000http://marieleslie.com/?p=27607No matter what size home or apartment you are living in, most people never have enough storage space. If the proper steps are not taken to store your possessions properly, it will not be long until they will start to creep into your living space. Therefore, utilizing efficient storage techniques is essential to maximize the […]

]]>No matter what size home or apartment you are living in, most people never have enough storage space. If the proper steps are not taken to store your possessions properly, it will not be long until they will start to creep into your living space. Therefore, utilizing efficient storage techniques is essential to maximize the comfort of your home. Home warranty plans are also important for every homeowner to consider. You can research information about these warranties online. Let’s take a look at seven ways you can create additional space in your home.

Dispose of unwanted items

Your first order of business will be to go through your entire house and take an inventory of what you have. There is a good chance you will come across a large amount of items you never use and forgot you had. Unless you feel that you are really going to need an item at some point, you should dispose of it. However, if you did not even remember having an item, it can’t be that essential to your life. Do not simply throw items in the trash. It they are still usable, you should take them to Goodwill, the Salvation Army or some other charity. You can also recycle many of your unwanted items.

Storage containers made of clear plastic

These are useful because not only will they help you organize your possessions, you can see through them. Therefore, you do not need to spend time labeling each one or opening them to see what is inside. You should buy containers that are made to stack on top of each other so they will not fall over easily.

Install more shelving

The more shelves you have, the more you will be able to store. This applies to closets, kitchen cabinets, sliding door hardware, your utility room and your garage. When it comes to organizing your utility room and garage, try to avoid having anything on the ground except very large and heavy items. If you are going to install additional shelves in your kitchen cabinets, make sure you measure them properly so you can fit in tall glasses, boxes of cereal and items of a similar height.

Seldom-used items

Many people have their homes cluttered by items they seldom use. This is a major cause of clutter. You need to identify items that you need to keep, but you do not use on a regular basis. Store these items in places such as your attic or shed. Holiday decorations that people have been too lazy to pack up and put away would fall into this category.

Organize vertically

When you are organizing things, do not be afraid to use the space far out of your reach. If you do not have a small stepladder, buy one to make your organizing much easier. If it is possible, stack your items to the ceiling. Just make sure they are stable. However, keep all of the items you use frequently in a place where they are easy to reach.

Shoe racks

There are many women who have more shoes than they know what to do with. If you fall into this category, invest in some shoe racks that will allow you to neatly organize your shoes so you can easily find them. You will also be cleaning up the floor of your closet.

Pantry

Rather than have a bunch of cans strewn across shelves and taking up space, stack the cans that are the same size on top of one another. Do this for boxes as well. You will be amazed how much space this saves.

David Glenn is a home improvement expert. He occasionally freelance writes about real estate tips, home maintenance and DIY home repair.

]]>http://marieleslie.com/7-ways-to-maximize-storage-space/feed/0http://marieleslie.com/7-ways-to-maximize-storage-space/Amazed by Grace—Book Reviewhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/modernmolly/~3/AxLBzRmpdO4/
http://marieleslie.com/amazed-by-grace-book-review/#commentsWed, 25 Mar 2015 13:27:06 +0000http://marieleslie.com/?p=27593When I first started reading Amazed by Grace, Sheri Dew’s latest book, I had to stop and do a little happy dance. You see, Sheri Dew came to speak to the women of Aurora last year and much of the wisdom she shared with us is contained in this little book. And this book is […]

]]>When I first started reading Amazed by Grace, Sheri Dew’s latest book, I had to stop and do a little happy dance. You see, Sheri Dew came to speak to the women of Aurora last year and much of the wisdom she shared with us is contained in this little book. And this book is way better than the meager notes I made during her address.

Grace has always been a challenging topic for me. I know it’s the most basic tenet of our Christian faith, but it’s always been such an abstract concept for me. Let’s face it; the idea of grace seems pretty contrary to how life works here on earth. In the beginning of the book, as she is introducing this topic, she asked a friend who is a Relief Society President (the Mormon Church’s women’s organization) what she wished the women who she served knew about grace. And her answer was, “We don’t think we know enough about grace to even know what to ask.” That’s kind of how I felt before I heard Sister Dew speak and before I read this book.

And then she shared a study tip she learned where each time she saw the word “grace” in her scripture study she would substitute the word “power” instead. And then added Elder David Bednar’s suggestion that he substituted the phrase “enabling power.” And when we think of grace that way—as the “enabling power” of Jesus Christ—it makes so much more sense to me. It is what allows to do the hard things in life and to be far more than we are on our own. I’ve already read and re-read this book and now I get to read it with my highlighter in hand and mark and note all my favorite passages.

Like other books Sheri Dew has written, Amazed by Grace is written with straightforward and clear language. Sister Dew takes topics that seem so complex on the surface and explains them in a way that makes them easily understood. I love her real-world examples and the fact that she readily admit she doesn’t have all the answers—but she is happy to share her search for those answers with us, allowing us to learn not only what she has learned but how to search for ourselves.

This is a short book, just shy of 70 pages, but so packed with inspiration that it will be a book to be read and re-read whenever you need a reminder of the beauty and power of the wonderful gift of grace. The book is beautifully laid out with key points and thoughts set apart from the text in a more prominent but not distracting typeface. In addition, beautifully designed text graphics complement the text at frequent intervals.

Whether you are new to the understanding of grace or you just need a refresher, Amazed by Grace is the clearest explanation of grace and how it can make a difference for each one of us that I have read.

You can get your copy of Amazed by Grace from Deseret Book in either hardcover or eBook format here.

A copy of this book was provided to me for review and my opinions are always just mine.

]]>http://marieleslie.com/amazed-by-grace-book-review/feed/0http://marieleslie.com/amazed-by-grace-book-review/5 Ways to Make Renting Easier and More Organizedhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/modernmolly/~3/FTBDCOAOrIo/
http://marieleslie.com/5-ways-to-make-renting-easier-and-more-organized/#commentsMon, 23 Mar 2015 22:50:37 +0000http://marieleslie.com/?p=27582When many people try to find a rental home or apartment to relocate to, they may drive around searching for rental signs or touring apartments one by one. This is one approach that you can take to find a new place to live, but it can be exhausting, time consuming and almost futile in some […]

]]>When many people try to find a rental home or apartment to relocate to, they may drive around searching for rental signs or touring apartments one by one. This is one approach that you can take to find a new place to live, but it can be exhausting, time consuming and almost futile in some cases. You may be searching for an easier and more organized way to find the right place to rent, and you can accomplish this goal by following a few important tips.

Research Areas of Town to Live In Online

If you live in a larger city or town, it is important to narrow down the area where you are searching in. In the largest communities, there may be hundreds of apartment communities available to choose from coupled with even more individual rental units, such as single family homes. You can easily research different communities online to determine which one or several areas you want to focus your efforts on.

Consider Your Commute

Unless you work from home, commuting will be part of your daily life after you move. Everything from the availability of public transportation to major thoroughfares and how congested they may be during your specific commuting hours should be reviewed before you finalize your prime or preferred area to live in.

Create a Budget

Even after you have determined the area of town where you want to live, you will still have potentially dozens of options available to choose from, if not more. You may consider developing a budget if you do not already have one. Each rental will impact your budget in different ways. For example, some rentals may include utility expenses in the rent. In addition, develop a moving budget. The cost of deposits, for example, can vary greatly from one rental to the next.

Shop Online for Floor Plans and Availability

You can continue your research and planning without leaving your home when you shop online for floor plans and availability. You can look for individual rental listings through real estate agent websites or 3rd party websites like Renters Guide. With these resources you can review floor plans and availability for apartments on the apartment websites.

Obtain More Information Over the Phone

Before you venture out to tour properties, take the final step of contacting the property manager, listing agent or owner for more information. Everything from the length of the lease term to whether pets are permitted can be obtained through a simple phone call, and this can help you to determine if an in-person tour is worth your time.

Finding a new home to rent can be frustrating and rather chaotic, but it does not have to be. Follow these tips to narrow down your options before you start touring properties.

About Meghan: Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise as well as researching new topics in an effort to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure.

]]>http://marieleslie.com/5-ways-to-make-renting-easier-and-more-organized/feed/0http://marieleslie.com/5-ways-to-make-renting-easier-and-more-organized/Eliminate 13 Potential Home Hazardshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/modernmolly/~3/gDbG6qacEh8/
http://marieleslie.com/eliminate-13-potential-home-hazards/#commentsThu, 19 Mar 2015 12:42:47 +0000http://marieleslie.com/?p=27570Your home is the place where you and your children spend the majority of your time. From making meals to taking baths and sleeping, your home is one of the most important places in your life. Unfortunately, your home may have some hidden hazards that you might never have thought about. Anything that can move, […]

]]>Your home is the place where you and your children spend the majority of your time. From making meals to taking baths and sleeping, your home is one of the most important places in your life. Unfortunately, your home may have some hidden hazards that you might never have thought about. Anything that can move, fall, break, or cause a fire is a potential home hazard. From that beautiful crystal vase sitting high on a shelf to the cord of the lamp that illuminates your child’s bedroom, there are many potential home hazards. Increasing your awareness of items that could pose health risks allows you to take action to reduce those risks.

Indoor Air Quality
Many people are surprised to learn that the indoor air quality of their homes is often worse than the outdoor air quality even on a hot, humid and stagnant summer day. Be sure to keep the fresh air intake vents in your home open and clean for good ventilation. Don’t let anyone smoke inside your home. Consider professional duct cleaning every three to five years. New carpeting, new plastic products and furnishings are likely to cause health problems due to off-gassing of fumes. Let these air out before bringing them into your house.

Water
Lower the water temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Change out contaminated water pitcher filters to avoid illness. Sign up for text alerts or emails in case a boil water alert is issued by your community. Have your well water tested each year.

Fire
Old-fashioned shower heaters are a fire hazard. Watch out for lingering smoke in fireplace, which suggests a creosote blockage. Upgrade smoke alarms to be hard-wired to each other. Unvented space heaters pose a carbon monoxide hazard and can ignite anything combustible placed within three feet of the heater. Be aware of wiring problems, flickering lights and sparks, as these are signs of electrical fires.

Electricity
Be aware of electromagnetic fields around appliances. Stand a few feet away from the microwave while it’s in use. Look out for cords, which can be tripping hazards. Have an electrician do any installations or repairs.

Toxins and Chemicals
Toxic ammonia all-purpose cleaners and other common household cleaning products can leave noxious fumes in your home. Even toothpaste can contain toxins that are hazardous if swallowed. Avoid dark shingles for your roof, as it can heat up and produce dangerous fumes.

Gases
A room without proper ventilation allows poisonous gases and sewer gases to build up. Any gas-powered appliance can experience gas leaks. Air conditioners and refrigerators may develop freon leaks. Use carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your home. Consider a radon mitigation system if you live in a radon risk area.

Lead Paint
Lead poisoning in older homes and apartments. The old paint becomes a hazard when it deteriorates. Have a professional remove or paint over the old paint.

Old House Dangers
Asbestos may cover the pipes or be used as insulation in old homes. It is only dangerous when it becomes crumbly. It can cause lung and other cancers. Old urea-formaldehyde insulation cause health issues if it becomes exposed.

Slips and Falls
Slips and falls are common on wet surfaces like in the bathroom. Avoid putting anything on the stairs. Rugs are another common cause of falls.

Mold and Fungus
Mold and fungus can grow in your carpets and under other flooring. Stachybotrys is a particularly dangerous mold. Any persistent mold should be treated by a professional.

Plants
Toxic molds can grow in potted plants. Avoid plants known to be poisonous, as your child or pet may try to eat them.

Insects
Spiders and insects can harm you with bites and stings. Roach allergies are common. Termites can damage the structure of your house.

Furniture
Old furniture may contain carcinogens like chrome and arsenic. Have old pieces tested. New furniture may off-gas formaldehyde, which is also carcinogenic; allow new furnishings to air out before bringing them home.

These solutions and tips can help ensure that your home is safe and healthy. Preventing health hazards is the key to your family’s safety. Maintaining healthy homes helps keep you and your family as healthy as possible.

BIO: Patricia Dimick is a Denver based writer and a passionate coffee drinker. She loves to write about parenting topics and loves DIY jobs. When Patricia’s not writing or playing table tennis, she usually spends time with her precious daughter and a husband enjoying trips to nature. @patricia_dimick

]]>http://marieleslie.com/eliminate-13-potential-home-hazards/feed/0http://marieleslie.com/eliminate-13-potential-home-hazards/Celebrating a Christ-Centered Easter–Book Reviewhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/modernmolly/~3/CtJo4qTi0uY/
http://marieleslie.com/celebrating-a-christ-centered-easter-book-review/#commentsTue, 10 Mar 2015 11:59:36 +0000http://marieleslie.com/?p=27284Easter is just around the corner. And visions of bunnies and eggs and jelly beans are filling the stores and the airwaves. While those symbols and treats of Easter are lots of fun and have their place in an Easter celebration, they should be secondary to our true Easter celebration. Easter is about the crucifixion […]

]]>Easter is just around the corner. And visions of bunnies and eggs and jelly beans are filling the stores and the airwaves. While those symbols and treats of Easter are lots of fun and have their place in an Easter celebration, they should be secondary to our true Easter celebration.

Easter is about the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Sadly, He is all too often relegated to a distant second to the Easter herd of chocolate bunnies.

This latest book by Emily Belle Freeman, Celebrating a Christ-Centered Easter sets out to change that. Like her similarly titled Christmas book, Emily teaches the purpose and meaning of Easter through the stories of six Biblical figures significant to the last days of the Savior’s life, as well as the Savior himself. After recounting their story and their relationship to Christ, each mini-biography is followed by a tradition. For example, the story of Lazarus “reminds us of the unexpected hope that will spring forth from the darkest moments of our lives.”

The tradition portion of each chapter includes a hymn, the scripture references for the story and some study questions, and what Emily calls “the Moment of Celebration,” an activity to reinforce the principle.

The lessons are written in plain language, easily understood by all ages from little children to adults. They include references to both the King James Version and the New Inspired Version of the Bible. The lessons can be completed in no particular order and in whatever time frame works for your family.

While the language in this book is simple, its potential for learning is anything but. This book is an excellent tool for teaching your family about Christ’s last days in mortality, his crucifixion and resurrection. Implementing and following the lessons in this book can allow you to bring an Easter filled with the spirit of Christ into your home.

Jelly beans and chocolate bunnies are no match for the sweetness of Christ’s sacrifice and gift for us. While they certainly are a fun addition to any Easter celebration and they have their place, Celebrating a Christ-Centered Easter places the focus of our Easter celebration right where it belongs: on Jesus Christ.

EMILY BELLE FREEMAN is a coach’s wife, a mother to four children and a few others who have found refuge in her home, author of several bestselling books, and sought-after inspirational speaker. She coauthors a popular blog putting religious teaching into practice: www.multiplygoodness.com.

A copy of this book was provided to me for review and my opinions are always just mine.

]]>http://marieleslie.com/celebrating-a-christ-centered-easter-book-review/feed/0http://marieleslie.com/celebrating-a-christ-centered-easter-book-review/Three Easy Ways to Add Extra Hours to Your Dayhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/modernmolly/~3/I682DwNBEok/
http://marieleslie.com/three-easy-ways-to-add-extra-hours-to-your-day/#commentsMon, 09 Mar 2015 13:27:00 +0000http://marieleslie.com/?p=27532I lost an hour yesterday. Most of us did. We had to “spring forward” with our clocks. It’s amazing how that one little hour can really throw your whole system off. I don’t know about you, but I want my hour back and I really don’t want to wait eight months to get it. Unfortunately, […]

]]>I lost an hour yesterday. Most of us did. We had to “spring forward” with our clocks.

It’s amazing how that one little hour can really throw your whole system off.

I don’t know about you, but I want my hour back and I really don’t want to wait eight months to get it.

Unfortunately, I don’t foresee a 25-hour day anywhere in our futures, so we’re going to have to make the most of the hours we already have.

Here are three easy ways to add extra hours to your day.

Lose the Time Sucks

We all have things we do that just suck up hours out of our day. If you don’t know what yours are, it’s time for a quick self-evaluation. Here are the biggies to get you started:

Television—if you don’t want to eliminate it completely, choose the shows you love the most and ditch the rest. And use your TV time wisely. I justify my TV time by sorting & folding laundry, doing the ironing, catching up on mending or doing some “cooking ahead” while I watch.

Internet—And if you’re not in front of the TV, you’re probably online. Learn to limit your online time by choosing wisely and using a timer. Set specific times to check and respond to email and stick to it. By the way, “all day” isn’t a specific time.

Chores—Other than my mother-in-law I don’t know anyone who loves to do chores. They are necessary, though. Find ways to reduce the chore load. If you can afford to hire a house cleaner, that can save you all kinds of time. If not, spread the wealth. If you have a family, they should be helping. Start assigning out chores. And don’t be a perfectionist about it. Mealtimes can be made easier if you cook multiple meals at one time. For example, when I make lasagna, I always make three and freeze two for busy nights. I make pasta sauce in a large kettle and freeze it in meal-size containers. If you’re making a casserole or other dish that freezes well, make it in multiples—or at least prep ingredients for future meals while you’re cooking tonight’s dinner.

Take advantage of Down Time

Are you waiting for a family member at an appointment—or waiting for your own appointment? Sitting in line to pick up a child from school? Commuting back and forth to work?

Find ways to do more with your “waiting time” than just playing mindless games on your phone or staring at the wall. If you have a substantial commute, download some great audio books or podcasts onto your phone that you can listen to during the commute. You’ll arrive at your destination much less stressed and much more motivated than if you listen to talk radio or just let other drivers frustrate you.

Bring a book along for those waiting times. Always have something interesting to read. Bring along a notebook as well. Not only can you catch up on making next month’s menu or making the grocery list, you can also do some writing. I am a journaler, so a few extra minutes can get me caught up on this week’s journal entries. I also jot down ideas and occasionally complete articles while I’m waiting for someone’s PT appointment to end or band practice to finish.

Re-evaluate your priorities

Look at what you are spending your time on? Are you doing things that are really meaningful to you or just letting yourself drift along with the current of life? Whether you’re at work or at home, take a good look at how you are spending your days. Figure out how to dump the unproductive junk, and how to do the things you love to do more effectively and efficiently. Once you’ve “dumped the junk” from your life, you will be amazed at how much more free time you have. Not sure how to figure out your priorities? Read this.

Whether you try just one or all three of these ideas, you will find yourself with more time in your day—and the opportunity to be more productive and less stressed. Let me know how it works for you.

]]>http://marieleslie.com/three-easy-ways-to-add-extra-hours-to-your-day/feed/0http://marieleslie.com/three-easy-ways-to-add-extra-hours-to-your-day/Hammond’s Candy Factory is Sweet Family Funhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/modernmolly/~3/88ckJWLlvPE/
http://marieleslie.com/hammonds-candy-factory-is-sweet-family-fun/#commentsFri, 06 Mar 2015 13:26:35 +0000http://marieleslie.com/?p=27467This post has been moved over to our dedicated photography site, marielesliephoto.com. If you are not automatically redirected, just click here and the post will open in a new window.

]]>http://marieleslie.com/hammonds-candy-factory-is-sweet-family-fun/feed/0http://marieleslie.com/hammonds-candy-factory-is-sweet-family-fun/Four Top Free Plugins for Extending Post Reachhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/modernmolly/~3/QC000idUeAU/
http://marieleslie.com/four-top-free-plugins-for-extending-post-reach/#commentsWed, 04 Mar 2015 14:37:30 +0000http://marieleslie.com/?p=27457Do you want more traffic to your website? Do you want more readers to see and read and share your posts? If the answer to both those questions isn’t a great big yes, why do you have a website? Of course you want more traffic. And of course you want more readers and more sharing. […]

]]>Do you want more traffic to your website? Do you want more readers to see and read and share your posts? If the answer to both those questions isn’t a great big yes, why do you have a website?

Of course you want more traffic. And of course you want more readers and more sharing. You also don’t want to have to spend any more than necessary to publicize your site.

Here are four of my favorite and most effective FREE (yes, a couple have premium versions but they are free) plugins for driving traffic and publicizing my blog posts. And yes, they have made a difference for me.

Revive Old Post has been my favorite post-sharing plugin for years. It used to be called Tweet Old Post and sometime in the last year, they changed the name and also added premium features. I haven’t tried the premium version yet, but it’s on my wish list next time I review the blogging budget. I like this one so much that when I was building websites, it was included in every package. I still recommend to all my clients.

How it works is that you choose the categories you do or don’t want shared, set the age range of posts you want shared (so you can leave out those really awful old posts you wrote when you were just learning to blog) set the time interval and let it do its job.

Every so many hours, depending on how you set it, Revive Old Post will send one of your posts to Twitter, Facebook and/or LinkedIn, depending on which platforms you choose. Right now, I only use Twitter, but I’m planning to expand now that I have more options.

The premium version allows you to schedule each platform separately. It also allows you to include your post’s featured image in the share. The premium version is only $49. A bargain price for a post sharer that never sleeps.

When you publish a new post, you need to get the word out so the world can read it. Unless you have a huge subscription list, you need to share that post on your social media if you want people to see it. I don’t know about you, but I’m not always around—or available—the minute a post goes live. I’ve looked at several ways to automatically tell the world I want them to come partake of my latest wisdom, but none have been easier than JetPack Publicize. With Publicize, you can automatically share new posts to your Facebook page OR profile, Twitter, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Path and Google+.

You can also add sharing buttons above or below each post for readers to easily share posts via social media or email. Set-up is quick and easy and takes maybe five minutes to connect your social media accounts. I am sure there are fancier, more elegant or more sophisticated options out there, but this one is quick, easy and it works.

Like Revive Old Post, Related Posts for WordPress has a premium version that I haven’t tried yet. It allows you to create lots of additional sorting, templates, layouts, etc., but for now the basic version has worked for me.

You can choose the number of related posts you would like displayed below each post. You can choose the heading (mine says “more posts you may enjoy:”, the length of each excerpt and whether or not you’d like your featured image displayed.

The premium version starts at $39 and includes email support, overwritable templates and other features.

Custom Share Buttons with Floating Sidebar is just what it says. It provides a floating sidebar that scrolls down the page with your reader and allows you to choose from eight different social media platforms plus email. You can also place these sharing buttons on posts or pages. It is a simple, easy way to encourage your readers to share your posts.

And yes, like the other plugins, this one has a premium option. It offers additional setup and sharing options. The premium version is $25.

These top free plugins have increased my traffic and helped me build my blog. They probably aren’t going to work miracles for you, but as part of a dedicated website strategy, they can help speed up your path to success. What plugins have helped you build your website? Please share your experiences in the comment section below so we can all be more successful.

]]>http://marieleslie.com/four-top-free-plugins-for-extending-post-reach/feed/0http://marieleslie.com/four-top-free-plugins-for-extending-post-reach/“Silence” Can Speak Volumes–Book Reviewhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/modernmolly/~3/3YhlxTMmzzU/
http://marieleslie.com/silence-can-speak-volumes-book-review/#commentsMon, 02 Mar 2015 12:19:07 +0000http://marieleslie.com/?p=27450Silence by Deborah Lytton, is the story of Stella, a girl with an amazing voice who was born to sing and has dreams of Broadway. It is also the story of Hayden, a boy who stutters and rarely speaks. Stella decides to try out for the school play. She knows it’s a long shot because she’s […]

]]>Silence by Deborah Lytton, is the story of Stella, a girl with an amazing voice who was born to sing and has dreams of Broadway. It is also the story of Hayden, a boy who stutters and rarely speaks.

Stella decides to try out for the school play. She knows it’s a long shot because she’s only a sophomore and seniors always get the best roles. But she does it anyway and much to her surprise wins the role of Maria in West Side Story.

Music is Stella’s life. She says, “I am quiet and unheard. . . . Except when I sing. My voice reaches out to the world because in those moments, I can fly. . . .When I sing, I’m not longer invisible. I’m no longer the fifteen-year-old who never raises her hand in class, who only has one friend and never volunteers to be first for anything. When I sing. . . I believe anything is possible. Miracles can happen.”

Hayden plays the piano for the musical. And in classical novel fashion, there is an instant connection. Although Stella and Hayden don’t talk to each other and Stella tries to ignore it in the beginning, it is there.

The night before the play opens she agrees to go to a party with her best friend Lily, even though she has some misgivings. Stella is not comfortable at the party but, like most teens, doesn’t leave. During the course of the party there is some typical teenage horseplay, but it doesn’t end typically. Stella is caught in the middle and accidentally pushed. She falls, hitting her head on the concrete and then tumbling into the pool, where she is rescued by Hayden.

When she awakes in the hospital, things are fuzzy, but quickly she realizes she can’t hear anything. At that moment she doesn’t know whether it is temporary or permanent.

Of course the first thing that happens is that because she is in the hospital, she cannot be in the play and misses out on that, which is heartbreaking for her. They quickly come to realize there is nothing they can do to restore her hearing. The effects of the injury are permanent. However, a cochlear implant may be a possibility.

And this is where the real story begins.

With the help of Hayden, Stella begins to explore what this means for her future. And as she struggles with understanding—and with being understood—because of course, what happens when the rug is pulled out from under your life? What happens when your very ability to communicate is taken away?

She has seventeen days to heal and to make a decision that will alter the rest of her life. Hayden asks her to give him those seventeen days to help her. In the process they both learn many things about themselves and about each other.

As Hayden helps Stella come to terms with her loss and helps her understand it doesn’t mean a complete loss of her life and life can still be good even when it takes a sudden left turn. We also begin to know his story and how this time not only begins to heal her, but also him.

And then there is an important decision to be made that will affect the rest of her life, her relationship with Hayden and with her family, and comes to realize what’s most important in her life, what she values most and who she wants to be.

The story drew me in right away. The characters were well-rounded and felt “real.” Events unfolded in a natural way and the story felt true to its teenage voice. I also liked the way the relationship between Stella and Hayden unfolded and that the focus of the book was on the emotional relationship and not a physical one.

This is definitely a novel I have encouraged my teenage daughters to read. The message is strong without feeling preachy. The characters resonate and are relatable. And the story is strong and uplifting.

A copy of this book was provided to me for review and my opinions are always just mine.

]]>http://marieleslie.com/silence-can-speak-volumes-book-review/feed/2http://marieleslie.com/silence-can-speak-volumes-book-review/10 Easy Ways to Make Your Home Cozierhttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/modernmolly/~3/ViUeG0bjEcE/
http://marieleslie.com/10-easy-ways-to-make-your-home-cozier/#commentsSat, 28 Feb 2015 14:28:34 +0000http://marieleslie.com/?p=27441There’s nothing quite like returning to a warm, cozy home after a long and exhausting day. After all, where else can you snuggle in a sofa, read a good book and sip a cup of tea as you watch the hours go by? OK, maybe you can do that in a fancy hotel, but let’s […]

]]>There’s nothing quite like returning to a warm, cozy home after a long and exhausting day. After all, where else can you snuggle in a sofa, read a good book and sip a cup of tea as you watch the hours go by?

OK, maybe you can do that in a fancy hotel, but let’s face it: It’s just not the same. Not only do you have to shell out tons of money, but you also have this feeling that something’s missing.

With your home, though, you don’t get that feeling. You don’t need to spend a lot of money, or even effort, to spruce it up and transform it into a place you look forward to returning to again and again. All you have to do is follow the tips below.

Warm It Up With Light

The key is to get the right amount of light in your home. If it’s too dark, it’ll be depressing; if the lights are too bright, it’ll be hard on everyone’s eyes. Buy lamps that emit warm white light, and place them in spaces specially made for relaxation, such as the bedroom and living room.

Warm It Up With Color

Colors affect the mood of a room. For instance, cool colors – such as blue, violet and green – make a room look larger, while warm colors – such as red, yellow and orange – do the opposite. Start with softer, subtler shades of warm colors, so you can get a feel for what works in your home and what doesn’t.

Have a Place to Lounge

Don’t know what to do with that extra, empty space in your house? Maybe you can convert it into another place to relax. Fill it up with a sofa or two, a coffee table, a handful of antique figurines, a couple of framed paintings and maybe even a bookshelf to cap off the look.

Go Natural

Plants aren’t just pleasing to look at. They also clean up the air in your home, which is especially handy if you live in a polluted, urban area. Don’t worry about having a green thumb or not; many indoor plants are low-maintenance, so they won’t die even if you leave them alone for hours.

Give It Some Texture

Use rustic furniture to give your home a traditional, yet inviting look. Add texture to your home with rustic, shabby-chic décor. Not only is it very inviting but it’s also low-maintenance and kid-friendly – and easy to DIY once you get some inspiration.

Scale Your Furniture

When it comes to choosing furniture, size matters too. Small spaces go best with proportionately small furniture, while large spaces are enhanced by large furniture. If anything feels like it’s taking up too much or too little space, consider changing it. Your home will be much cozier that way.

Keep Your Family Photos Close

Seeing pictures of loved ones, pets and other treasured memories can be soothing. When you have a photo or two in at least one room in your house, you’ll always feel at ease, knowing that in some way, your loved ones are watching over you. Consider creating a gallery wall to display your family photos.

Mix It Up

You don’t have to follow the same scheme for every room in your house. Try to experiment with different styles, so that every time you visit a new room in your house, you’ll always be pleasantly surprised.

Clean It Up

Take time to sweep the floor, dust the furniture and organize bookshelves. Even 30 minutes spent cleaning every day can make a huge difference in your home’s overall atmosphere.

Make It You

With all of the above said, the most important thing is this: Your home should be a comfortable place for you. If luxury, fur-covered furniture is your thing, that’s fine. If simpler, unassuming furniture is more to your taste, that’s fine too.

Remember: Your home is a reflection of you. If you have a warm, inviting home, what’s going to stop people from thinking you have a warm, inviting heart too?

KateWilson is an urban gardening guru with a passion for all things green. She spends her time writing and blogging across the web on happiness and healthy living. You can read more from Kate on her blog JetFeeds.com.